Lymphoma (malignant lymphoma or lymphosarcoma) is a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with a common source of origin from lymphoreticular cells. Lymphoma is one of the most common tumors found in dogs and often occurs in cats. As a rule, lymphomas develop in lymphoid tissues (lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow). They can also occur in almost any tissue of the body, including affecting non-lymphoid organs (stomach, kidneys, etc.).
Who is susceptible to the disease
Lymphomas occur in animals of all ages - both in young ones, up to a year old, and in older and older animals.
Causes of lymphoma
The reasons for the development of lymphomas in animals are not fully understood, the main ones include:
- dysfunction of the immune system,
- environmental impact on the body,
- genetic predisposition.
In cats, a link has been established between the development of lymphoma and carriage of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Mediastinal lymphoma (tumor in the chest cavity) is especially common among young cats carrying the FeLV virus.
Risk group and causes of lymphoma development in cats
Lymphosarcoma in cats can occur at any age. There are several factors that influence the occurrence of this disease.
At risk:
- pets living in a house where they smoke constantly;
- animals with reduced immunity and chronic diseases;
- infected with leukemia viruses (FeLV) and immunodeficiency viruses (FIV);
- Burmese and Siamese cat breeds.
A sick cat suffers from pain for a long time
For your information! Carcinogens that are dangerous to humans negatively affect the health of pets and cause cancer in them.
Causes of lymphoma in cats:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) increases the risk of disease by 62 times. About 20% of cases were infected with this virus;
- immunodeficiency virus (FIV) increases the risk by 6 times;
- constant contact of the animal with carcinogens, especially tobacco smoke, salts of heavy metals, ionizing radiation;
- reduced immunity;
- a number of chronic diseases, including anemia, inflammatory processes, infections (in particular, Helicobacter), etc.;
- genetic factor - belonging to the Siamese or Burmese breed.
Enlarged lymph node
Development mechanism
The body's production of lymphocytes is disrupted. This leads to changes in DNA, causing cells to mutate. The changed cells actively multiply and spread throughout the body. Lymphoma quickly metastasizes. If a cat is sick with both leukemia and lymphoma, then the bone marrow suffers and the process of hematopoiesis is disrupted.
Reason for formation
The etiology of lymphoma is difficult to explain. Biologically, a tumor appears due to the body's loss of ability to control cell division. This initially occurs as a result of changes in the chemical composition of white blood cells. Among the main causes of this phenomenon is the leukemia virus.
The danger lies in the fact that it is carried by most stray cats. Scientists suggest that the immunodeficiency virus also provokes the occurrence of formation.
Additionally, the following factors may influence tumor development:
- heavy metal poisoning;
- irradiation;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- genetic predisposition.
Types and symptoms of the disease
Hemobartonellosis in cats: symptoms and treatment
The disease can develop and proceed in different ways. There are several types of lymphoma in cats. Symptoms and treatment depend on the etiology and course of the disease.
The main symptoms of lymphosarcoma:
- the cat has lost a lot of weight, but its belly has increased;
- she became lethargic, drowsy, refuses to eat;
- with a tumor in the chest, enlarged lymph nodes, an inflamed and swollen throat, difficulty breathing, coughing, and drooling are noticeable;
- with a tumor in the gastrointestinal tract: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain;
- with a tumor of the nervous system: seizures, loss of coordination;
- anemia develops. The number of leukocytes can either increase (leukocytosis) or decrease (leukopenia).
Different forms of the disease have specific symptoms. If they appear, you should immediately contact a veterinarian, conduct a thorough diagnosis, and begin treatment. It is especially urgent to act if the cat suffers from contagious diseases - leukemia or immunodeficiency.
There are 4 forms of feline lymphoma:
- abdominal (alimentary);
- extranodular (MALT lymphoma);
- mediastinal;
- multicentric (multipolar).
Location of lymph nodes in a cat
Abdominal
In abdominal lymphoma, the tumor grows in the abdominal cavity and affects the digestive tract. In most cases (80%), the intestines are affected, but the stomach may be affected (20%).
Symptoms:
- lack of appetite;
- weight loss;
- very loose stools;
- vomit;
- compaction in the intestines;
- enlarged lymph nodes of the liver and mesentery.
Intestinal lymphoma in cats can occur without the influence of the leukemia virus.
Abdominal lymphoma causes loss of appetite and weight loss
Extranodular
The most insidious type of lymphoma is extranodular, extranodal or MALT lymphoma. The tumor consists of lymphoid tissue and mucous membranes of internal organs. Most often, the tumor affects the stomach, kidney, sinuses, and nervous system. This form of the disease is very difficult to diagnose in time because it does not affect the lymph nodes.
With renal lymphoma in cats, kidney failure develops and the kidney becomes enlarged. If the central nervous system is affected, the disease manifests itself in the form of seizures, paresis, paralysis, loss of coordination and other neurological disorders. If the tumor grows in the nasal sinuses, then the main symptoms will be coughing and heavy breathing.
In rare cases, lymphoma affects the skin, and then crusts appear on it for no apparent reason and hair falls out.
Liver lymphoma in cats is characterized by enlargement of its lymph nodes and disruption of the functioning of this organ. A biochemical blood test reveals changes in many indicators. The level of platelets and red blood cells decreases.
Important! Lymphoma of the eyes and heart also occurs, which manifests itself in disruption of the functioning of these organs.
Cancer can affect any organ in your pet.
Mediastinal
The lymph nodes on the neck and chest are enlarged, the cat is breathing heavily, coughing, and suffocating. Often she cannot swallow, and then drooling appears. Fluid accumulates in the pleura and effusion appears. The mucous membranes become bluish in color. A heart murmur is diagnosed. The tumor affects the mediastinum, thymus and nearby lymph nodes. A blood test shows elevated calcium levels. The mediastinal form of lymphoma is almost always accompanied by leukemia.
Lymphoma is the most insidious form
Multicentric
The cause of the multicentric form of the disease is almost always leukemia. The tumor grows in several organs at the same time. Often all major lymph nodes are affected. This type of lymphoma is considered incurable and has a poor prognosis. At the same time, the cat’s health remains normal for a long time. Then she begins to gradually lose weight and loses activity. In later stages, the liver and spleen become enlarged and anemia appears.
Lymphoma under a microscope
Clinical picture
Depending on the form of the disease, the following symptoms are observed:
- Bloating. It may be hard and painful.
- Retention of stool up to complete absence of bowel movements. This is due to intestinal obstruction. If the lumen is partially blocked, the stool may become ribbon-like.
- Diarrhea. Occurs when there is inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and disruption of the liver and kidneys.
- Refusal to eat. Additionally, rapid weight loss is observed. In short-haired cats, the ribs and hip bones begin to protrude.
- Paleness of the mucous membranes.
- Dehydration. Easy to spot when examining the mouth. The gums become sticky and dry. Saliva is viscous.
- Deterioration in the appearance of the coat. The cat may become partially bald. Hair stops shining, becomes dull and breaks.
- Apathy. At first the animal becomes lethargic, and in later stages it reacts poorly to stimuli.
- Heartbeat disturbance. There may be an arrhythmia or a slow pulse. Valves and walls are deformed.
- Cough.
- Enlarged lymph nodes. They are detected by palpation. Formations are mobile. They do not cause discomfort in cats.
- Visual impairment. Keratitis or glaucoma may develop.
- Ulcers and numerous weeping wounds on the skin.
- Proliferation of the mucous membranes of the nose. The contours of the earlobes are lost.
- Convulsions and paralysis.
- Enlarged kidneys and development of renal failure.
- Enlarged liver. When performing an ultrasound, a violation of echogenicity is detected.
Stages of feline lymphoma
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From the onset of the tumor process to the death of the cat, there are 5 stages:
- the lymph node enlarges or a tumor appears in an internal organ;
- extranodular neoplasm invades adjacent lymph nodes. A tumor grows in the gastrointestinal tract. On one side of the diaphragm, 2 extranodular neoplasms appear;
- Tumors grow on both sides of the diaphragm, affecting 2 lymph nodes. The third stage includes any neoplasms in the spinal cord or abdominal cavity;
- damage to the spleen or liver;
- damage to the central nervous system or bone marrow. Terminal stage.
Important! The tumor process is inexorably and rapidly progressing, so treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Forecast
Depends on the cellular composition of the tumor (small cell lymphoma has an excellent prognosis), the severity of clinical manifestations, tumor location, the presence of leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus (significantly worsens the prognosis), and individual response to chemotherapy.
Thus, in cats with small cell alimentary lymphoma and a good response to chemotherapy, the duration of remission was 2 years or more. Cats with large cell lymphoma respond less well to therapy, and death may occur within one month of diagnosis.
Cats with lymphoma of the central nervous system, kidneys, or bone marrow (rare tumors) respond poorly to treatment and have a poor long-term prognosis.
Diagnostics
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Lymphoma in a cat is diagnosed using several procedures. First, the veterinarian conducts a visual examination of the condition of the skin, fur, and mucous membranes. The doctor checks the lymph nodes, takes blood for clinical and biochemical tests, and weighs the animal. A test is performed to detect leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses. Then they do an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, during which they carefully look at the condition of the internal organs and note possible pathologies. A chest x-ray is taken to determine the condition of the local lymph nodes and pleura.
Next, a cytological analysis of the affected lymph nodes is required. It quickly diagnoses large cell cancer, allowing treatment to begin immediately. The final stage of diagnosis is a biopsy, histological and immunohistochemical analyzes of tumor tissue. During this operation, the diseased lymph node is completely removed. If spinal cord damage is suspected, a lumbar puncture is performed. Pleural fluid and bone marrow tests are performed.
How to treat
After all the procedures, it is possible to establish a final diagnosis, assess the severity of the condition, make a prognosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
Unfortunately, owners turn to the veterinary clinic late, so most sick cats are diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma.
Breeders are often late for visits to the veterinarian
Surgery
If necessary, an operation is performed on the intestine, during which solitary masses and the area with obstruction are removed from it. In addition, in some cases, bone marrow transplantation is performed.
Chemotherapy prescription
The main treatment for lymphoma is chemotherapy. The doctor prescribes a treatment regimen individually for each patient. A sick cat is prescribed a course of treatment with special medications. It is recommended to take the tablets orally, as the cat tolerates this method more easily than droppers and injections. Drugs such as vincristine, prednisolone, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, and doxorubicin are used. For leukemia, L-asparaginase is also prescribed.
If the cat does not tolerate chemotherapy well, then more gentle medications are prescribed.
Before prescribing chemotherapy, the number of leukocytes is determined. If there are less than 2500, then treatment is postponed for 7 days, then the analysis is done again.
Note! In many cases, radiotherapy is used. It is effective when only one organ is affected.
Your doctor may prescribe chemotherapy for your cat.
Treatment
Lymphoma is an extremely aggressive type of malignant tumor. To date, several basic chemotherapy regimens have been developed to achieve remission of the disease (disappearance of clinical signs, tumor infiltration for a certain time). The duration of treatment is usually 4-6 months.
If individual well-circumscribed tumor masses are identified in the intestine, surgical removal is indicated (especially when the tumor causes intestinal obstruction/obstruction). Radiation may be used for nasal lymphoma (tumor infiltrating the nasal passages).
A combination of surgery and chemotherapy is also used for certain indications.
How to care for a sick cat
Love and care are the most important things a sick cat needs. It is necessary to provide good care for as long as the cat can live. It is advisable to feed him tasty and nutritious food.
It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s prescriptions, regularly take blood tests, and protect your pet from stress. It is important to monitor your cat's well-being. When pain occurs, the animal is prescribed analgesics.
Caring for a sick cat is part of the treatment
Duration of remission and prognosis
Lymphoma in cats is treatable, but not completely cured. Small cell lymphoma in cats is characterized by low malignancy and responds quite well to chemotherapy. Small cell lymphoma most often occurs in the abdominal form. In this case, the prognosis is more favorable.
Without treatment, the cat will live no longer than 8 weeks. If your pet is treated on time, it has a chance to live for 2–18 months. Today the disease is considered incurable, and death is inevitable in the coming months. Even the best treatment will not cure the cat completely. Under the most favorable circumstances, the maximum survival period is 2 years.
The survival rate for this disease is very low
Preventive measures
To prevent feline lymphoma, veterinarians offer vaccination against the leukemia virus. This is the only way to protect your furry pet from this terrible disease.
A person must monitor the pet and, if anything happens, contact a veterinary clinic
The health of a beloved cat always comes first for a caring owner. Oncology is the most terrible disease of our time, so you need to take a close look at any strange symptoms.
